Investigation into South Asian business extortion in Alberta leads to 2 deportations

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 19 Mar, 2026 10:36 AM

The Canada Border Services Agency has deported two people as police continue investigating extortions in Alberta.

The Edmonton Police Service says it teamed with the RCMP and border agency in 2025 to investigate a series of violent extortions.

Police say suspects were targeting South Asian businesses in Edmonton.

Five suspects in the Edmonton area were arrested, with some allegedly linked to South Asian business extortions in Calgary, B.C. and Ontario.

The 22-year-old alleged ringleader and another 25-year-old man were deemed to be illegally in Canada and were deported.

Investigators say criminal networks recruit young South Asian newcomers, like students and workers, to extort or commit petty crimes.

Picture Courtesy: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson

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